Week of March 18

Webinar about Assisted Suicide – Learn more about why legalization of assisted suicide is not good for Illinois. Join a weekly, 30-minute, informational webinar every Thursday, 12:30 p.m. starting March 14.  Email dmoore@dio.org to get a link to join the webinar. 


Illinois March for Life Mass – Individuals, families, and groups can register for the Illinois March for Life Mass by going to the diocesan website:  www.dio.org and clicking on the image for the March.


Professional Soccer Star Turns Priest – Father Chase Hilgenbrinck had everything, at least in terms what the culture says – professional athlete, cool lifestyle, and fame. But that life didn’t make him fulfilled. The now Diocese of Peoria Vocation Director shares why ultimately he left life as a professional athlete to become a professional servant of God. Go to youtube.com/diospringfield or search “Dive Deep” on all the major podcast platforms to listen and subscribe. Dive Deep is the podcast of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.

Click here to download a graphic to include in your bulletins


Attend the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage coming to cities in our diocese – You are invited to a once-in-a-lifetime experience being called “our national Emmaus moment,” after the biblical passage in which Jesus walked with two of his disciples along the road to Emmaus. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage is an unprecedented pilgrimage in which Catholics will pray and publicly follow Jesus in their cities through Eucharistic processions. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is excited to be included in one of the national routes July 8-12. Cities include Collinsville, Alton, Quincy, Girard, Springfield, Effingham, and Teutopolis. Go to dio.org/procession to learn more and register!

Click here to download a pdf of the map and schedule


Attend the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis July 17-21 – This summer, join tens of thousands of passionate Catholics will travel from every corner of the U.S. to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ, present in the holy Eucharist at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Soak in the Presence of Jesus alongside people of all walks of life – a vivid image of the universal Church. You will participate in beautiful liturgies, lifting your voice in prayer alongside world-class musicians, hear from the most influential Catholic speakers of our day, and make history as part of the first National Eucharistic Congress in nearly 100 years. This is the beginning of a new chapter of faith in America. Will you be there? Register at eucharisticcongress.org. 

Here is a graphic to pair with it


Eucharistic Revival Award – The National Catholic Committee on Scouting has created a new patch award for Scouts of all ages to help us on our journey through the Eucharistic Revival. By learning about the Eucharist and participating in various spiritual experiences, Scouts can earn the main Eucharistic Revival patch and up to eight additional rockers to circle the main patch. For more information about how to earn these awards, please contact the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154, or email scouting@dio.org.


Looking for spring/summer work? – Calvary Cemetery in Springfield is hiring seasonal trimmers for the spring and summer. These are part-time, temporary positions (mornings and early afternoons). $14/hour. Must be 18 to apply. Call (217) 523-3726 or email director@calvary.dio.org for information.


Project Rachel:  Help for women and men to heal from the pain of abortion.  For assistance call 1-877-RACHEL-5. 


Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: For people affected by abortion, September 27-29, 2024, Villa Maria Retreat Center. Cost is $150. Scholarships are available for those not able to pay the full registration fee. Please let others know about this healing opportunity.  For more information call 217-698-4456, or email projectrachel@dio.org


Springfield Catholic Charities Annual Fundraiser – Springfield Catholic Charities will be hosting its Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, May 4 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Knight of Columbus Hall, 2200 Meadowbrook Rd. in Springfield. Event tickets are $50 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets may be purchased on our website at: cc.dio.org/events/springfield-annual-2024-fundraiser or by calling 217.523.4551, ext. 114.


Madison County Catholic Charities Hosts 23rd Help On The Move Annual Fundraiser – Catholic Charities will be hosting their 23rd annual Help On The Move fundraiser on Saturday, April 13 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. The event will be held at Julia’s Banquet Center, 101 Eastgate Plaza in East Alton. The evening will include dinner, drinks, & DJ music, a $10,000 raffle, and other activities. Dar Bryant from the Dream Center and John Rain from Norton Rain Insurance will receive awards for their outstanding service to our community.  Dinner tickets are $50 each. Raffle tickets are $25 each or buy 2 and get 1 free. Tickets may be purchased on our website cc.dio.org or by calling 618-462-0634.


Quincy Catholic Charities Hosts – Murder Mystery on a Train – Catholic Charities will be hosting its annual fundraiser “Murder Mystery on a Train” on Saturday, April 6, from 5:00 – 10 p.m. at the Holiday Inn located at 4821 Oak St in Quincy. Ticket prices are $50 each or $350 for a table of 8. Dinner and entertainment are included. There will be a silent auction and cash bar. Tickets can be purchased on our website: cc.dio.org/events/quincy-annual-fundraiser-2024. If you are unable to attend the fundraising event, but would still like to make a donation, you may do so via the website.


Retreat for married couples offered – Worldwide Marriage Encounter presents weekend experiences for married couples to rekindle romance, enhance meaningful communication, and deepen and renew commitment. Sign-up now! For more information or to apply, go to wwme.org or call Terry & Eric Engholm at 314-649-7317. Next ones:

4/5/2024 – 4/7/2024, St. Peters, MO

8/2/2024 – 8/4/2024, St. Peters, MO

9/27/2024 – 9/29/2024, St. Peters, MO

10/11/2024 – 10/13/2024, Springfield, IL

Here is a logo you can use as well


STEWARDSHIP BULLETIN REFLECTIONS 

March 24, 2024

Palm Sunday

“Pilate again said to them, ‘Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews?’  And they cried out again, ‘Crucify him.’” – MARK 15:12-13

Jesus told us “whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me.”  Every day we are presented opportunities to help someone.  Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others.  Every day we pass by someone in need.  Pray for the strength and courage to be the answer to someone’s prayer.

March 31, 2024

Easter Sunday

“Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.”  – COLOSSIANS 3:2

On this day we thank God for His Son, Jesus, who died, rose and opened the gates of heaven for us.  We celebrate and sing “Alleluia.”  Let’s try to keep the joy of this Easter season in our hearts throughout the year!  Pray daily and listen for how God is calling each of us to joyfully use our gifts to fulfill His salvation plan.